Known as "A Town That Went to Sea", Thomaston gained
that moniker because it was here that more wooden ocean going ships were
constructed than in any other place in the country. Extensive records and
ships' registries (including measurements, design features, holding capacity,
owners and captains, crew members, types of cargo and routes traveled) are
available for research.

Ocean going tall masted schooners,
as well as full rigged ships, some with as many as five or six masts, were
built in record numbers and with great speed. Local ship builders, known
for their exceptionally skilled workmanship and their attention to detail,
were frequently referred to as artisans.

During the height of the shipbuilding
era, the 1840 United States Census reported seven millionaires in the country.
Three of the seven lived in Thomaston. All were both sea captains and boat
builders. Their homes are still in existence, one is now the town's funeral
parlor and the other two remain private residences.